THE Bolton Arena has proved a smash-hit with visitors writes Angela Kelly

The £15 million state-of-the-art Middlebrook centre, which hosted the badminton competition throughout the Games, attracted visitors from all over the country with 26,000 tickets sold.

One regular was the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr John Walsh, who not only presented the mixed doubles medals but was an avid spectator.

"It has been absolutely brilliant!" he said. "What better time could there be to be Mayor than when the Commonwealth Games are held in our town .... and I get to present a gold medal to England players!"

Mike Barlow, manager of the Arena, said the event had been a "great success", and really raised the town's profile. Speaking to visitors from Ghana, Nigeria, New Zealand and, closer to home, Scotland and Northern Ireland, it is obvious that Bolton has a real sports' gem here.

Ghana team manager Frank Shamo said that the Arena was "a wonderful place", and his young players loved it.

England double gold medallist Simon Archer was equally fulsome: "It has been great playing here -- and the crowd have been very supportive."

The organisation was excellent, aided by the many volunteers. People like Sheila Bateson from Church Road, Bolton.

Sheila, who retired from the Royal Bank of Scotland seven years ago, spent a couple of weeks helping media from around the world with information.

"It's been tiring but I've loved it," said Sheila. "I've met so many people, and made new friends here."

The experience for the organisers, competitors and visitors was much enhanced by the warmth of the local welcome.

Everywhere around the Bolton Arena, around Rivington for the cycling and around the many venues -- as well as Manchester city centre -- were friendly people.

They had called it the Friendly Games, and everyone was keen to live up to that name. Now? Well, let's hope that this is just the start -- of more tourists, of more sporting events, of more fun!